Robo-suit of the day

Real-Life Iron Man: A Robotic Suit That Magnifies Human Strength

CYBERDYNE was launched in June 2004 to commercialize the cybernetic work of a group of researchers headed by Yoshiyuki Sankai a professor of system and information engineering at Japan's University of Tsukuba. Its newest product: the Robot Suit Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton, which the company created to help train doctors and physical therapists, assist disabled people, allow laborers to carry heavier loads, and aid in emergency rescues. A prototype of the exoskeleton suit is designed for the small in stature, standing five feet, three inches (1.6 meters) tall. The suit weighs 50.7 pounds (23 kilograms) and is powered by a 100-volt AC battery (that lasts up to five hours, depending upon how much energy the suit exerts).

CYBERDYNE designed the HAL exoskeleton primarily to enhance the wearer's existing physical capabilities 10-fold. The exoskeleton detects—via a sensor attached to the wearer's skin—brain signals sent to muscles to get them moving. The exoskeleton's computer analyzes these signals to determine how it must move (and with how much force) to assist the wearer. The company claims on its Web site that the device can also operate autonomously (based on data stored in its computer), which is key when used by people suffering spinal cord injuries or physical disabilities resulting from strokes or other disorders.

And you thought we would have no weapons against the oncoming robot onslaught. Robo power suits that increase our strength and cyborg killing power 10 fold. Japan may be pushing us inexorably towards a war with the metal ones, but let it be said they are also giving us the tools to fight and look cool while doing so. Even if they did name their company after an evil corporation that enslaves humanity and their suit after an evil robot that attempts to murder Keir Dullea.

This is just the first of the robo-suits as our own US military, in conjunction with Sarcos/ Raytheon, is building one for the troops and the lovable scampss at M.I.T. Biomechatronics are building one to help them win a drinking contest against those damned jocks from State. Sure, these are all allegedly to help people with medical problems, but that's what they have to say to get funding. We know what we'll have to use them for: To fight....and win against the robo-hordes.